Hi Ray, thanks for the comments.

For me this is about people doing things that are in their own interest, furthering themselves without thought for others. Stepping on other people's toes. No thought for others.

Then, how do we, as the 'others' deal with that. Do we forgive? Do we forget? Do we do both? Lots of paradoxes, contradictions in our lives. How do we live with them, learn to live with them.

Comment is about Hangman (blog)

Original item by Jon Stainsby

Any support you may have engendered was absolutely annihilated by the last two lines.

Comment is about INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Ray thanks for commenting on duality. The American is a woman whose unwavering total commitment to the afterlife that I just couldn't grasp. But she was such a good person living a good life.
She was honest in her beliefs and I admired and respected it.
In many ways envied it.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks for posting this John. It was very informative. I have been considering entering competitions, and I will take some of these pointers on board if I ever get round to it.

Cheers Kevin

Comment is about In it to win it: a guide to success in poetry competitions (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Well done on Poem of the Week, congratulations.

Great poem, Dorothy, you've put into words the emotion and feel of the time.

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thank you all so much for your comments - such kind voices - and so much support.

To see my poems accepted in such company is more than I could ever dare hope for, and as for 'SILENT MARCH' being Poem of the Week, well what can I say?

My first reaction was shock and then disbelief followed by shaky fingers
I felt so sorry for Stu having to sort out what I wrote and what I meant to write it could not have been easy, so thank you for that Stu.

My thanks agan to every one.

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

this is an excellent article. but the best poetry is not found in these competitions.

edit - in my opinion

Comment is about In it to win it: a guide to success in poetry competitions (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Birds of a feather flock together - tells us all we need to know about
"poetry competitions" and who is chosen to "judge" them.

Comment is about In it to win it: a guide to success in poetry competitions (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

lot of imagery to 'dissect' in this one, well done friend.

Comment is about Knife crime (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Hi Phil. I'm intrigued about the American, who he was and why the story had an impact, or didn't it? He came to my mind at the end of the poem. For some stupid reason I started thinking of Glenn Miller who carried the secret of his death to the grave.

Sad that life offers up so many questions for us of the imaginative type.

Ray

Comment is about Duality (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

I'm intrigued Jon. My first thought is that a Hangman is as human as the rest of us, it was always a duty carried out on behalf of the state. In the days of public executions, masks were worn to conceal the identity. No shortage of spectators though in early days. I feel like I'm beefing out your poem, but it made me think.

Of course, there would be many who would gladly relish the return of capital punishment here. Perhaps Trump could do a deal with the government after brexit.

Ray

Comment is about Hangman (blog)

Original item by Jon Stainsby

Great poem , reading it again it comes to life without fail. I remember seeing the news and the fires and you have caught the whole disastrous episode perfectly. The whole idea of hiding feelings and the contrast of that with the public display is a a tour de force. Thoroughly deserving winner this week Dorothy!

Ray

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Don't have a ridin' mower
I push my mower
much as I push
the envelope.

?

Comment is about Don Matthews (poet profile)

Original item by Don Matthews

A graphic poem with a good eye for detail and simile. Don't know what Leylandi means or Freecyler but apart from that I enjoyed it. One wonders how the garden got in such a state. Living somewhere else for a couple of years?

Comment is about Switching the light back on (blog)

Original item by fiona sinclair

Hey D. Your messages always a colorful note on my profile! ?
You flatter me!

I always wear sunglasses
Forced by an urge to hide
I do not speak for the masses
Nor am I waiting for a car
I am in fact depicted at a cafe, eyes all wide
There it is, I can see it! Coming from afar
Oh, the anticipation and surely a bit of greed!
My poison, my fix, my much coveted trophy
My reward for always being such a good little kid
My precious, delicious hot morning cup of coffee!

Thanks for stopping by?
Mae

Comment is about Mae Foreman (poet profile)

Original item by Mae Foreman

Please no-one else comment just yet
Wait till I've logged out, in bed
Then you can out O-neg our Sir Keith
Time to log off, enuf said ?

Think I've said this before ?....

Comment is about Blood Pressure (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Sir Keith I bow down to your Bloodline
When spilt out does it persevere blue?
A true indication of aristocrat lineage
(Or something wrong with your biology too?)

Golly gosh! O Neg that's fantastic!
Only Royals have this type I believe
You better stay 'way from the blood suckers
Who'd suck you all dry - and then leave ?

Comment is about Blood Pressure (blog)

Original item by d.knape

dk.,

I enjoyed this poem but I have a slightly different problem as my blood is blue which speaks of an aristocratic lineage. I am also O Neg which causes me to be in high demand.

Thanks for this

Sir Keith

Comment is about Blood Pressure (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Like you I think your poem's outstandish
If mine was as reddish as yours
I always have sweet nursies doin' it
So extraction is never a bore

I just get to logout dk
And your new one just comes on my screen
I was just gonna quit and go and lie down
Damn,gotta respond, say I've seen

I can see Kate, she's smiling in icon
Smiling at blood, pricked and red
Like her I think you need chat nursies
Time to fin, have enuf said ?

Comment is about Blood Pressure (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Nice sentiment Don, and very true

Comment is about I Am No Better Than You (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Intriguing Tom. One I'll come back to for sure.

Comment is about Letter From The Lake (blog)

Original item by Tom

Outlandish!

Comment is about Blood Pressure (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Jason I do enjoy your phrases.

The ones I identify with most are

"three square meals, the sunshine and fields,
and the love of you family"

and

"You friendships and kin are something you win
by enduring this challenging fight"

What more could any one want? for me, you have said it all.

Comment is about Fairytales (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Dorothy,

Congratulations and well done.

Keith

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Great ending!

Comment is about The Girl with the Blue Eyes (blog)

Original item by Anita Connor

Thank you for reading "Rumors of my Demise".
just a fun poem but with a grain of truth.
I am sorry I had to burden you with it.
Take a pill and get on with your life.

?

Comment is about Heart of Lead (poet profile)

Original item by Heart of Lead

Who is the poet in dark glasses
surely a Hollywood star
or a poet of the masses
waiting for a car
Mystery surrounds her
with a look that is afar
she may be Mae or maybe
that's just the way things are.

Comment is about Mae Foreman (poet profile)

Original item by Mae Foreman

Good advice imparted with grace. Thanks Jason

Comment is about Fairytales (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Beautiful and wise and original ?Quite the voice you have Jason? The dreams of children are quite painful and sometimes superficial. At the end of the day we all search for that wisdom.
Thank you
Mae

Comment is about Fairytales (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Shadows and souls... I am reminded of a short story written by Oscar Wilde called "The fisherman and his soul!" I urge you all to read it! It's beautiful and it more or less says that one's shadow is their soul...even though that's not exactly the theme, it's just a piece of the story's imagery, so, don't worry I didn't spoil it for you!

Comment is about I Cast A Shadow (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

"For kindness is the language the deaf can hear the blind can seee"

How I love those words, how true they are,

This why I love this poetry blog I have 'met' so many good people,

Comment is about Continue to be kind (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Anita
Well that was an end I did not expect

Comment is about The Girl with the Blue Eyes (blog)

Original item by Anita Connor

So sweet and moving?

Comment is about Life And Friendships (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Ride the dragon! Release the beast! ?

Comment is about Yin & Yang (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Majestic scene! You must have this picture carved in your memory and so I bet you can take it out of its little box and breathe in the fresh air and absorb the day. You made it possible for us to enjoy such a delicate private moment too! Thank you for sharing it with us Jason?

Comment is about Absorbing The Day (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Wake up yawning every morning but don't spend the day asleep. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort for just that... It takes a lot of guts to keep your tongue razor sharp and most of all putting an embargo in your ego... Thanks for voicing that. It had to be said by somebody!?
Wonderful as always Jason!

Comment is about Sharpen Your Wit (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Jason this is superb! It makes me wanna read it over and over. Every time I discover something new. Words that stick with you... "Go all in and begin the complex task of living" . The complex task of living! So true. "Sorow and pleasure in equal measure"... I'm still trying to figure out that equation...
Wonderful piece Jason!
Let rip with every last chip!
Thank you?
Mae

Comment is about Every Last Chip (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Intriguing experiment! If a machine write a poem that would be it! Like everyone said I love it and I hate it! I vote for heart!?

Comment is about Poetic Dissection (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Thanks for your comment on 'Strangers Leave Scars' - and yes, I completely agree. The unfathomable behaviour of scared men is quite breathtaking sometimes. Looking forward to reading more of your work! T.x

Comment is about AbSo2021 (poet profile)

Original item by AbSo2021

I enjoyed the interview very much, Dorothy. Your replies provoke much thought as to our religious and educational heritage--how many more have been similarly discouraged from the pursuit of happiness through active engagement of innate talents?

It's quite a strong piece of writing, as are quite a few of your other offerings.

Good to have you here,

Rachel

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Martin, they're all right, descriptive, evocative and emotive. My favourite line is also, "All front and trousers, their rear ends exposed."
Frances is also right, if you really want to publish, small run, low cost, low risk.
Worst comes to worst, you'll have something interesting to show the grandkids one day.?

J. x

Comment is about city of birth (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

The last stanza sent a shiver down my back, which is generally reserved for really special, powerful words. An excellent poem indeed, for which many thanks.
Peter T

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Well done Dorothy and thoroughly deserved. I love your style and your talent. Worthy winner. Hero status now definitely confirmed ?.

J. x

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Very powerful. You have beautifully captured the duality of life and death and the belief or lack that shapes it for every individual.

Comment is about Duality (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

Very well deserved Dorothy, I'm thrilled for you. This is a powerful poem, painting a picture of human and animal suffering that is cleverly executed, and infused with a restraint that is characteristic of those who tend the land. It would touch many I'm sure. Congratulations again. Cheers, Kate

Comment is about Dorothy Webb's 'The Silent March of 2001' is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Martin, I don't connect how self-publishing a chapbook of poems could possibly make you 'an old fart'.
In these days of digital printing I am a great believer and promoter of self-publishing poetry. Most will never make money out of poetry books but if you can cover your costs by being sensible and only printing small runs... I recommend it.
Gather 20 or more poems on a theme and do the cover to reflect the theme. If you've got a large stapler, a digital printer, some card and plenty of paper... go for it at home!
You could tout them at the readings you do and if you only sell one at each reading, that's a huge compliment!
There's nothing quite like reading from your own book.

Comment is about city of birth (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thank you for your comments on my "cancer" poem. Appreciated.

Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)

Original item by keith jeffries

Well said Phil. I go along with all you have said and thank God for the NHS.

Keith

Comment is about Cancer (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

Thank you Mae, Jon, Don, Kate, Anya, you are all very kind. But the kindest gift of all was to introduce me to: Kindness
Naomi Shihab Nye, 1952. What a moving poem to come across all unawares, it is beautiful and sad and modest and true:

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows..

As our young doctor, Johnny Keats, once remarked: "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing...".

Thank you.

Comment is about Continue to be kind (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Oh Erin, oh Jason I want to
But what will the others round me think?
I can't hold it in any longer
(Don't care if they flush me down sink....)

So there. ?

Comment is about Bring Back the Pin Up (blog)

Original item by Erin N. Buckley